Container Centralen

No sorting of return crates please!
In their search to replace the many different types of crates used for distributing fresh produce, the CBL (the Dutch Central Bureau for the Foodstuffs Trade) had this important criterion: they wanted a crate system that did not require return crates to be sorted.

In order to meet this criterion, CBL formed a partnership with Container Centralen pool services and Schoeller Arca Systems and together designed a completely new range of crates. The result was a crate system that has since become the standard in the Netherlands.

The new range consists of five different sized crates with one compatible lid. All are designed for machine handling and automatic transport on conveyor belts, whilst also being easy to handle manually and safely stacked. This means that potatoes, fruit, meat, meat products, cheese and all other refrigerated products can now be delivered together.
And of course, it is no longer necessary to sort the crates at the distribution centres before returning them.

The result? 20% fewer crates in the chain and significant savings on selection costs!